See It Clearly, Build It Boldly; A Blueprint for Business That Lasts Beyond the Bottom Line
Welcome to MasonMade’s Founder Friday series! Every other week we highlight a founder as they share lessons learned and key takeaways. To be featured in our series or nominate another founder, email jennifer@masonmade.co.
When Jonathan Francis was just 16, life threw some serious curveballs at his family, forcing him to grow up fast. He dropped out of high school, relocated from California to Connecticut, and found himself in a tough job market with barely any opportunities for someone his age.
But instead of folding under the pressure, he recognized something most don’t: if the opportunity didn’t exist for him, he’d have to build it. That’s how his company, Washout Windows was launched.
Lesson 1: The Power of Family Support
Starting a business as a young person is a heavy lift. Jonathan’s story proves that it’s not just about grinding it out solo. Your family can be one of the most powerful forces behind your success. Jonathan’s brother, Benjamin and his sister, Doliah became integral parts of his business’s foundation.
Their hard work and belief in him weren’t just emotional boosts but literally helped keep the business afloat during the early days. Washout Windows wasn’t just his dream but a lifeline for the whole family. Their shared success enabled his siblings to earn college degrees.
Future Founder Takeaway: The support of family and friends should not be viewed as a crutch, but rather a strategic advantage when leveraged well. By accepting help from others, your business can become a powerful force for generational change.
Lesson 2: Never Forget Where You Came From
Gratitude is a powerful anchor. Remembering his roots, his struggles, and the people who took a chance on him, Jonathan set out to make his mark in a populated industry. His first client, Adam Broderick Salon, catapulted him into early success along with the support of friends and family.
“I’m forever in debt to Adam for taking a chance on me,” Jonathan says. “After that, my name started to become more well known.”
Authenticity is when you honor the people who helped you along the way. Staying grounded in gratitude fuels humility and is the cornerstone of meaningful leadership.
Future Founder Takeaway: Don’t lose sight of your origins. Gratitude and authenticity will carry you further and serve as a lasting imprint on those in your path.
Lesson 3: Quality Beats Quantity in Growth
Jonathan emphasizes focusing on quality rather than chasing fast growth. Working hard, staying authentic, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your mission outweigh scaling too quickly or superficial success.
This focus ensures that your growth is values-driven and grounded in genuine impact. A quality-first approach to growth sustains your business beyond initial wins, building meaningful relationships with clients that endure.
Future Founder Takeaway: Prioritize deep, authentic connections along with excellence in your product or service, over chasing numbers.
Lesson 4: Develop and Nurture a Giving Mindset
Jonathan cites a favorite quote by Khalil Gibran: “It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked.” For him, life’s blessings should be shared without reservation or expectation. This generosity is part of his guiding philosophy and what he hopes to pass on through his work.
Selfless giving enhances community and personal legacy. It’s an opportunity to give beyond your business offerings and enhance the lives of those around you.
Future Founder Takeaway: Lead with generosity and build a culture of giving that inspires others. This fosters goodwill and strengthens community ties.
Lesson 5: Respect People’s Readiness to Change
Coming from a place where opportunity was scarce, Jonathan knew how life-changing it could be to finally catch a break. He wanted to give that same chance to others but realized that not everyone is ready to take it.
Jonathan learned the hard way that people must choose their own path. His role was to create an environment where growth is possible whenever others are ready to step into it. Respecting others’ readiness is key to leading with empathy.
Future Founder Takeaway: Focus on creating workplaces where people feel supported and ready to grow. You can provide opportunities, but true growth happens only when individuals embrace the opportunities offered.
Jonathan Francis’s journey offers a thoughtful blueprint for founders balancing growth and values. Starting a business should never be just about numbers. It’s about the people, the grit, and the values you strive to live out. His business wasn’t built on privilege or perfect timing, but rather on setbacks, perseverance, and the decision to create a future on his terms.
Along the way, he learned lessons that shaped his company and leadership style. Jonathan’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership, authenticity, and patience are just as important as strategy and hustle. For new entrepreneurs, adopting these principles nurtures business success and crafts a meaningful legacy.